Understanding Health Coverage
Health insurance is designed to help protect you against the high costs of health care. It works similarly to other types of insurance — you pay a premium (payment) in exchange for the insurance company's promise to pay certain costs in the event of something unexpected. But health insurance also works a bit like a warranty from a car dealership — it also pays for routine maintenance to make sure you stay well and fixes minor things that go wrong from time to time.
Understanding health coverage will help you decode the maze of health benefit options available today. From the new health care law to HMOs and PPOs to Medicare and drug coverage, learn the facts so you may make more informed choices about your health coverage and your future.
Getting Health Coverage
You can get health coverage through an employer or purchase it yourself. Get the basics on getting health coverage.
Health Care Reform
The new health care law — called the Affordable Care Act — was passed in 2010. The law is changing the way some Americans get health coverage. Some changes are happening now. The biggest change for consumers comes in 2014, when almost everyone in the U.S. will be required to have health insurance. Learn more about how health care reform may affect you.
Types of Health Coverage
Knowing what is covered ahead of time is a key to finding the right plan for you. From medical care to prescriptions to dental or vision, learn about the types of health coverage available to you.
Types of Products
You’ve heard terms like PPO, HMO and deductibles, but what do they mean? Get the information you need to make your best choice with our guide to different types of products.
Economics of Health Care
Find out more about health care costs through our Economics of Health Care series. Its educational materials will help you identify health care costs, understand cost drivers and learn what we can all do to lower these costs.
Glossary of Terms
Some insurance and medical jargon may make understanding health insurance difficult. We want to make it easier for you by providing clear definitions of common health insurance terms.
